September's Community Conversations

Spencer van Vloten
Sep 9
4 min read

Updated: Sep 12

A young spotted dear, standing among green vegetation — What relevance does this photo have? See below!

Hello community leader!

Each month in Community Conversations, we look at issues, events, resources, and opportunities in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

If you're interested in receiving updates like this by email, sign up for my newsletter below! Also feel free to contact me if you're aware of any opportunities you'd like included.

All the best,

Spencer van Vloten

Community Events

Read With The Pups!

Vancouver Public Library's Canine Library returns on September 14th! You can read to a therapy pup or join a poetry workshop. There will also be a kids' tent and the BiblioBike, allowing you to get a library card or explore VPL's digital library.

Science For All!

On September 19th you can visit Science World for free. There's no charge for the Tech-Up Showcase, which focuses on making STEAM subjects- science, technology, engineering, art & and math- accessible. Doors open at 9:30, first come first serve.

Celebrate National Tree Day In Stanley Park

On September 27th, you can celebrate National Tree Day in Stanley Park by participating with other community members and nature enthusiasts in invasive species removal and an educational forest walk! Experts and experienced volunteers will be there to support you and answer your questions.

A crowd gathered and sitting together, as sun shines on them gently

Clean Air, Good Times

The 3rd Clean Air Festival takes place on September 14th, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Slocan Park and via livestream. This immuno-inclusive event features music, dance, stage magic, and workshops. Have your clean air questions answered by experts, build DIY air cleaners, and get free masks, tests, and more.

Funds, Programs, & Awards Now Open

Minister's Wildlife Council - Applications Open

Applications are open for 8 spots on the Minister's Wildlife Advisory Council! The council provides advise on strategic issues and priorities with the intent to strengthen stewardship of wildlife and habitat in BC

A young family posing for a picture together, with father on left, small girl in middle, and mother on right

Enter The Belonging Photo Contest

The Belonging Network's annual photo contest is now open! This contest has great prizes and is open to anyone with a connection to adoption, foster care, permanent guardianship, kinship care, custom adoption, and to youth in and from government care.

A poster for a woman's legal clinic. Rise's Community Legal Clinic operates every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, offering drop-in sessions with legal advocates, at Suite #820, 510 Burrard St. These address urgent family law questions and provides initial guidance for those navigating the legal system.

Community Legal Clinic Drop-Ins Now Open

Rise's Community Legal Clinic operates every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, offering drop-in sessions with legal advocates, at Suite #820, 510 Burrard St. These address urgent family law questions and provides initial guidance for those navigating the legal system.

A community gathering, with a man supervising children

$1000 Community Microgrants Now Available

Up to $1000 in microgrants is available for community members for initiatives to their neighbourhoods together. Past grantees have used the funds to hold an afternoon tea for newcomers, throw a block party, build a community garden, and much more.

A woman supervising passengers as they get off a large van

Guide The Direction Of Accessible Transportation

Applications are open until September 14th for HandyDART and Access Transit advisory committees. These committees will provide input on accessible transportation, helping TransLink improve their services for people with disabilities

In Focus: School's In - Report Exclusion

A fresh school year brings both new beginnings and ongoing challenges — from exclusions in schools to scholarships that open doors.

Exclusion Tracker

The exclusion tracker keeps a record of the exclusion of students with disabilities or complex learning needs in schools throughout BC.

Exclusion can take many forms, such as being asked to go home early, not being allowed to go on field trips, not having health or personal needs accommodated, and much more. If your child has faced exclusion, please report it in the tracker

Nominate Now: Women Of Distinction; LGBT Business Awards

Have someone amazing to recognize? Check out these community awards now open for nominations!

Women Of Distinction Awards

The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards are now open! These awards are a great opportunity to recognize women and workplaces in your community who are making a difference.

LGBTQ Business Leadership Awards

The CGLCC 2SLGBTQI+ Business Leadership Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and companies who have played a special role in driving economic growth within the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada. They honour those who have created positive change and fostered a thriving business environment.

Navigating The System: Indigenous Disability Benefits

The IDC National Indigenous Navigation Services (NINS) is a free service dedicated to assisting eligible Indigenous persons and families with disabilities, in obtaining various disability related benefits, across Canada.

NINS services are available across Canada, regardless of where you reside, including within Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

If you are an Indigenous person/family with a disability and need assistance in applying for, and obtaining disability related benefits, NINS may be able to help!

BC Trivia: Mascot Mayhem!

How many school nicknames do you know?

BC schools have many nicknames and mascots, with wildcats, ravens, grizzlies, and eagles being among the most popular. But how about some less common ones out there? Here are a few that stand out to me!